Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines celebrate Lunar New Year in San Francisco
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines employees celebrate Chinese New Year in San Francisco
For the first time, Hawaiian Airlines employees joined Alaska Airlines in the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade, where thousands gathered to watch the festivities. As the title sponsor, Alaska Airlines said it was “honoured to celebrate the Year of the Snake and its significance in Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions.” The parade marched through the streets of San Francisco.
“The most memorable part of the experience was the excitement and unity among everyone representing Alaska and Hawaiian. Even though we are two groups coming together in a unique way, there was a natural ease—an energy that flowed organically. Everyone interacted in a genuine way, making it feel effortless to represent both brands as one,” said Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant, Grace.
“I am half Taiwanese and as a kid, my mom always made sure we celebrated Chinese New Year. It was so important to her that we were able to take part and understand our culture. We would sit and make dumplings, prepare noodles, fish and pass out hongbao (red envelopes). As my mother got older it became my responsibility, as the eldest daughter, to take over those traditions and I am proud to pass those traditions on to my son. It was so incredible to get to participate in the Lunar New Year festivities and to be surrounded by so many people who wanted to celebrate and honor our Asian traditions,” said Alaska Airlines Accounts Payable Supervisor, Mary.
Alaska Records Analyst, MyHoa, who celebrates Tết from the first day of the first month of the Vietnamese lunar calendar until at least the third day and has volunteered in the parade’s festivities before, said each year is as exciting as the last.
“Everyone was waving, cheering, and dancing when our float passed by,” she said. “Family gatherings mean a lot to me on Lunar New Year. It’s important for me to be part of Alaska Air Group’s Lunar New Year festivities so I can show our community how much our Alaska family cares."
Members of Alaska Airlines’ Air Group Pan Asians (AGPA) business resource group kicked off the celebrations with a mesmerizing Lion Dance performance at the Seattle headquarters, bringing the same energy and joy to employees.
California’s Public Affairs team hosted a thoughtful brunch in San Francisco’s Chinatown, bringing together community leaders from the local Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
"As Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines continue to come together, events like these highlight the deep connections we share in culture, tradition and community. With the Year of the Snake symbolizing strength and prosperity, we look forward to an exciting year ahead—united in our commitment to uplifting the communities we serve," the press release said.
